Religious freedom, religion in politics, religion in schools, religious discrimination — all very hot topics at the present. They have been for most of everyone’s memory. There’s a lot at play in those issues, but I would like to take a look at the core literature of the most widespread American religion. When it comes to the sacred scriptures of the Judeo-Christian religions, there is only one thing to say. The Bible is extremely problematic.
The Bible contains some of the strongest openly-bigoted statements found in popular literature. Are you looking for words from God to support your misogyny, homophobia, genocidal tendencies, anti-religious freedom sentiments, or pro-slavery passion? Look no further, the Bible has your back. Let’s take a look inside.
On the more outrageous side of things, take the Biblical book of Ephesians. In this book, the prophet Paul writes a letter to a group of Christians. Various topics are discussed, but a terrible one in particular stands out. The text reads:
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ (Ephesians 6:5, New International Version).”
Why anyone with good intentions would fully support a book with this kind of language surpasses me, but nonetheless that is the case.
As it turns out, some people took full advantage of this text to protest the slavery abolition movement.
When it comes to wartime, according to the Bible, God apparently doesn’t mind his followers committing the most extreme war crimes. Through his prophet Samuel, God gives some commands for dealing with an enemy nation:
“Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys (1 Samuel 15:3, New International Version).”
Total genocide is a horrific concept, and yet here it is sitting in the middle of the Bible.
The LGBTQ+ community should be especially cautious when approaching the Bible in a compassionate manner because the words it uses to address them are brutal. According to Leviticus, a Biblical book of laws, the following is absolutely necessary:
“If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads (Leviticus 20:13, New International Version).”
These are just three examples of the terrible concepts that are presented within the Bible. There are countless others. Here are a few examples for further reading.
- Homophobia: Leviticus 18:22
- Sexism: 1 Corinthians 14:34, Ephesians 5:22
- Anti-religious freedom: 2 Kings 23:20-25
I am well aware that there are also many lines about spreading love, avoiding being judgemental, and other uplifting messages contained in the Bible. These are great. However, disregarding the other very hateful and evil side of the book is dangerous. Love and hate are completely incompatible. It is important to be aware and understand the full nature of the Bible.
